I'm Emily, I'm 16, an East Coast Aussie, and new here. I was diagnosed when I was 6, (I'm 7 days off being diagnosed for 10 years), and am having major trouble. Coming up to 10 years, I thought I really need to do something about this. I'm not testing and bolusing regularly, and it's starting to take toll. I'm not in denial, I just genuinely forget. I don't want to forget, I want to be in the healthy range! But its just not happening! Would love to hear your tips and stories, and to chat to anyone about diabetes. I really have no one here who understands what it's like on MY level...

Hi Emily! Trying to be healthy is hard. I went through something similiar when I was in my teens. I rarely tested my sugars or took my insulin. I swear I drank 2-3 liters of water every day during my teen age years to try and compensate my inaction. The only thing that pulled me out of those habits was thinking of my future. Which I know sounds cliche. But when it came down to it, I realized that one day I want kids, and I want to have good kidneys and feet to be there for my possible family. I know the idea of kids isn't for everyone, it isn't always my cup of tea either. But sharing my life with those I care about and who care for me is always what keeps me going. I want to be here, healthy with diabetes.

The first thing I did to try to be healthier was test my sugars more. I hated doing it and still do. Making that change was especially hard though because a lot of my friends hadn't seen me take care of my diabetes before so it was a change for them too. But when I explained why and what I was trying to do they understood and actually asked if there was anything they could do to help me remember. Talking to the people you spend most of your time with about what you need to do I find to be a great support. Most people will listen, and some will offer to help! So everyone wins. :)

I know its hard. But take it one test at a time, one day at a time and have patience. Eventually you'll develop the habits you want. Good luck!

I am about to pass my 4 yr anniversary of Type 1. There are times when it is hard to remember, or want to remember to test my sugars. I don't forget to bolus though since I have a pump. My advice would be just to make a conscious effort to test and try to remember that what you do now can affect you internally in a few years. Gotta take care of yourself now so you can be alive and well later...if that makes sense.

I can tell you that when I was younger I barely tested, I always took my required shots, but not the testing. It is a hard thing to do and does really begin to wear one down. I have to agree with some of the others that one positive thought is that you do need to think of the future. Being 16 you may not be seeing the big picture, but there are things that at some point in your life if you are not taking care of yourself you may miss out on an oppurtunity.

The only encouragement that I can give you is to keep your future in sight. Many of us have stories about how our lives have been affected by poor choices. To be healthy and in control is probably one of the best thigs. Know that you do have our support. One thing with testing, is if you are just forgetting and just wanting to eat without thinking about is, that you need to change your routine and shift everything so that you need to think about every meal you are eating. Maybe this could be just pulling your meter out and leaving at your place setting before you sit down so it is in the way or something like that. Or ask a good friend who may understand what you are going through to be a reminder for you. It may be annoying but it will help.

Ever hear the saying that doing something consistently for 21 days becomes a habit?

The best thing I can recommend is setting out with the intention to do everything on paper or charts or whatever so that you remember to do something consistently for 21 days. Afterwards, it may just come naturally.

First off, Trevor I've heard that too :) Although when I heard it, it was 23 days I think :)

I think remembering to do something diabetes-related takes dedication and will power. I think it has to matter enough to someone for them to get up and do it, for their health care to come before all else. When I was diagnosed, I was eleven years old. How was I supposed to remember to take care of myself when I'd just barely stared middle school? How was I suppose to remember to test? To take insulin?

I was lucky to have my family when I was diagnosed. My first suggestion would be to get support. If it takes having your parents call every around meal time, or rooming with a friend or family member for a while to help you remember, to me that would be worth my health.

My second suggestion is set alarms. In the meantime of the 21/23/however many days it takes to form a habit (I juse googled it -- most people say 21), set alarms to remind yourself. To remind my family it was time for Lantus every night we'd set phone alarms. It would go off every night, and because we also kept our cells nearby, we never missed it. Choose something you keep with you; use Outlook if you're often at a computer or set alarms on your phone. Alarms will remind you to do what you need to so it's not as big of a deal if you forget, so long as you get it done. Hope this helped.

i never forget to test my blood sugar because i carry my meter around everywhere. mostly in my hand. that way, it is never forgoten and then when i test, it leads me to my insulin, since it all ties into my health, i never forget.

you could try what i do, test your blood sugar, then have insulin if needed.

also you could try putting a reminder to test and have insulin where you will see it a lot. your wallet or purse might be a good idea and at home, on dorrknobs.

Hey! I've had diabetes for 10 years too. And it is tough to remember to test and bolus, but I know that I always have my cell phone in my hand or always near me. If you have a cell phone, maybe you can start programming in your phone when to test. OR (as much as parents hate this) maybe write it on your hand. Im constantly doing that if my levels are low.

i wear a Cadex watch that sounds off an alarm every 2 hours, so I test all the time. I also set my pump to alarm 2 hours after eating, so I test when i'm supposed to. Do you wear a pump? if you do, you could set the alarm on that, or even use a kitchen timer.

I agree with everyone else about setting alarms. I have a reminder in my Outlook for every 2 hours so that I don't forget. But even if you remember, you have to have your monitor with you. I had trouble when I was younger because I was on the go so much with school, sports, etc. You might want to buy a couple so that you can put them in your most frequent locations - table setting at home, in your room/bathroom, in your purse, in your locker.

I have this exact problem too! It isn't that I mean to forget, it just happens. I have started setting my phone and pump alarms. My pump alarm really gets my attention because it's on me all the time, but if I am in the middle of something my phone goes off a half an hour later that usually re-reminds me that I should check. Have you tried wearing a sensor if you have a pump? That also will cause your pump to go off when you are too high or too low. But be careful with that, because I went through a period where I didn't check because I thought the sensor would tell me when I needed to take insulin instead of needing a blood sugar number to correct my blood sugar. Good luck!